Bruce Lee Podcast

#37 On Being Human

“Being a real human being” is a concept that comes up often in
Bruce’s writings, he didn’t want to be considered just an actor or
a martial artist, but as a human being who was growing, evolving
and creating. “The function and duty of a quality human being, is
the sincere and honest development of potential and
self-actualization.” “Do you know how I like to think of myself? As
a human being. Because under the heavens, under the sky, there is
but one family.” There is a unifying quality to Bruce Lee that
connects us on a human level. This unifying philosophy is needed
now because of the divisiveness among people in the world. “The
simple truth is that these opinions on such things as racism, are
traditions which are nothing more than a formula that was laid down
by elder peoples experience. As we progress and time changes, it is
necessary to reform this formula. I, Bruce Lee, am a man who never
follows these formulas of the fear mongers. So no matter if your
color is black, or white, red or blue, I can still make friends
with you without any barrier.” “If I say that everyone under the
sun is a member of a universal family, you may think that I’m
bluffing and idealistic. But if anyone still believes in racial
difference, I think he is too backward and narrow. Perhaps he does
not understand man’s equality and love.” “I’m not one of those guys
who can just brush people off. If I can take a second to make
someone happy why not do it? A person cannot forget someone who is
good to them.” Most of our anxiety and pain comes from feeling
disconnected and just little moments of empathetic human
interaction can make us happier and feel like a human being.
“Sensitivity is not possible if you are afraid.” “The point to be
made about ego is that man should use his ego and not be used by
ego or blinded by it.” “Don’t have an attitude, open yourself,
focus yourself, express yourself, and in doing that connect with
people so that they can share in the expression of who you are.”
Take Action: How do you move through the world? Are you open to
growth and change? Do you think of people as the “other”? If you
find yourself feeling fearful about human connection and
vulnerability, why is that? Try to just smile at another person.
Find small ways to open the door a little. Pick someone who you
already like and share with them something you appreciate about
them. If you go out into the world with the view that we are all
one family, how does that change how you interact with the world?
#AAHA This week we have an #AAHA nomination of Tyrus Wong from
listener Lauren L.: “I would like to nominate the late Tyrus Wong
for the #AAHA segment of your podcast. In his 106 years of life, he
was an incredible artist; of paintings, murals, and kites. He comes
from rough beginnings where, at the age of nine, he immigrated with
his father from China. His career as a designer, illustrator, and
storyboard artist for Hollywood was most certainly no cake walk;
especially as an Asian man in his profession during the
1930's-1960's. The number of times he had faced discrimination and
being called "chink" is hard to keep track of. Despite the
struggles, Tyrus did succeed in his field. He was the storyboard
artist for a number of notable live-action films like "Rebel
Without a Cause" and he was the head artist on the Disney animated
film, "Bambi." #BruceLeeMoment This week’s #BruceLeeMoment comes
from Thinh L.: “The episode "Medicine for my suffering" thoroughly
resonates with me. Early 2012 I developed a spinal condition known
as spondylolisthesis, in which one vertebra in my lower back
becomes disjointed from the other. Like the quote says, "the
ailment came from within myself". I was my own worse enemy in this
instance. But I also realized that I was my own best medicine.”
Share your #AAHAs, #BruceLeeMoments, and #Take Action progress with
at hello@brucelee.com. The full version of the show notes is at
BruceLee.com/podcast

About the Podcast

Join Bruce Lee's daughter Shannon Lee and cultural anthropologist Sharon Ann Lee for a conversation about the life and philosophy of Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee was a famous martial artist, movie star and cultural icon--but his philosophy has caught fire around the world inspiring millions searching for meaning and consciousness. Each episode will dig deep into Bruce’s philosophy to provide guidance and action on cultivating your truest self.
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.”